5 The IMO: Maritime Security: An Essential Feature for Sustainable Maritime Development and Global Ocean Governance

Abstract

This chapter provides a new perspective on the subject of maritime security. It argues that piracy and armed robbery at sea are in reality land-based problems, the root causes of which still remain to be addressed by the international community. However, this chapter also maintains that, instead of focussing on short-term security measures, the stress factors that lead to instability, insecurity, and uncontrolled mass migration should also be addressed. The aim should be to improve economic development, supported by maritime development and underpinned by maritime security. Furthermore, the chapter examines not only the issue of piracy and terrorism at sea but also International Maritime Organization (IMO) measures aimed at improving security of international movements of containers, which has a wider implication than just prevention of terrorism and the protection of customs revenues.